Wood samples treated with various alkylammonium compounds (AACs) as well as ammoniacal copper quat (ACQ) and chromated copper arsenate (CCA) have been studied in accelerated weathering experiments. Microscopic examination of the surfaces of these samples after exposure in a weatherometer revealed several different changes. Samples treated with didecyldimethyl ammonium chloride (DDAC) show considerable latewood defibration and severe earlywood erosion, while ACQ and CCA treated samples are far less prone to surface weathering than AAC treatments as well as the untreated controls. FTIR spectral data of surface material removed from these samples correlated well with the observed surface defibration. It appears that lignin components are most affected by the weathering process. The AAC counterion and chain length of dialkyl quaternaries in AAC treatments appear to influence the weathering effect.

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